With the soaring Wilmington housing prices and rapidly increasing mortgage rates, local home buyers have had to compromise with their most-desired home features. However, certain features have still risen to the top as the common 2022 home-buying factors in southeastern North Carolina.

Based on extensive research and our own observation of Wilmington housing preferences, we put together a list of the top 10 features home buyers are searching for in 2022:

1) Affordability, of course!

Despite the record-high prices, people searching for Wilmington area homes are still looking for the best possible deals. Although the sparse home inventory makes it challenging to be too picky, home buyers are applying a little more strategy to their home search–only bidding on houses they think they can reasonably afford and win.

2) More (or at least more flexible) space

The pandemic and the growing work-from-home culture has created a widespread desire for more space. However, more space frequently means more money. 

If home buyers can’t afford a more spacious house, they’ll likely look for a home with more flexible space that can be used for multiple purposes–such as a home office that doubles as a second bedroom or a hobby room. To capitalize on this, be sure to promote the versatility of spaces throughout your home.

3) Outdoor amenities

Over the last few years, people have developed a healthy craving for the outdoors. It’s funny how a worldwide pandemic can make a luxurious patio, front porch, or swimming pool so much more attractive–especially during Wilmington’s warm summer months. With a cozy patio, home owners can bring their work laptop outside, enjoy the fresh air, and watch their kids and pets play in the yard or pool. Plus, some outdoor features–like a patio or upgraded exterior lighting–are relatively simple, inexpensive additions.

4) Designated home offices

Working from home can be great! But, sometimes, a makeshift dinner table or bedroom office just won’t cut it–too much clutter and too many distractions! In this new age of remote employment, transforming a second or third bedroom into a home office space can significantly increase the value of your home.

5) Laundry rooms

For most homeowners across the country, an in-house laundry room has become non-negotiable. To maximize the value of your laundry room, consider giving the room a quick makeover and adding shelves, cabinets, and clothing racks for extra storage.

6) Ceiling fans

About 83% of home buyers identified this relatively low-cost, high-reward feature as one of their most-desired. Some people swear they just CAN’T live comfortably without them–especially in hot, humid southeast NC. Increase your home’s perceived value even more by upgrading your ceiling fans to something classy or “coastal.”

7) Large, functional kitchens

The pandemic forced many to try their hand at good ole home cooking. Now, those that enjoyed the experience have realized the importance of a spacious, well-organized kitchen (ideally with a large walk-in pantry). An open-plan kitchen with significant storage space will attract some eager buyers. Double-sided sinks, water filtration systems, and large central islands are also popular among Wilmington home buyers.

8) Energy efficiency

Over the last several years, there has been a remarkable push for energy-efficient lighting and ENERGY STAR-rated windows and appliances. Regulating house temperature, energy-efficient materials save homeowners thousands every month on utility and maintenance costs. Although it’s a BIG bonus for buyers, investing in costly ENERGY STAR upgrades right before selling is not the smartest investment.

9) Hardwood floors

Out with the old, ragged carpet, and in with sleek hardwood floors! In 2022, home buyers prefer homes with floors that at least LOOK like hardwood. If you have a tight budget, upgrading to vinyl, laminate, or wood-like tile is a great way to increase your home’s market value.

10) Multipurpose garages

Last but not least, we’ve seen an emerging trend of multi-use garages. Add some storage, an outdoor sink, and a craftsman’s station, and suddenly you have a perfect space for home buyers who love working with their hands. 

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Looking to put your Wilmington, Carolina Beach, or Wrightsville Beach home on the market? Our real estate agents can help you get started. We’re just a phone call away–call us at 910-395-4100.

RELATED: 

• How To Add Value To Your Home On A Budget
• How To Determine Property Value
• Your Home-Selling Checklist: What To Do  Before You Sell

From Wrightsville Beach to Carolina Beach to downtown Wilmington, the housing market in southeast North Carolina is bringing homebuyers many challenges as we approach summer 2022. 

Homes are still being snatched up within a day or two. Prices are still climbing. And local home options are still relatively sparse.

It’s become more important than ever for potential homebuyers to make sure they actually have enough money for a down payment. Why? There are a few reasons: 

• So they can be quick to act if they find a home they like. 
• So they can avoid getting their hopes up in homes they simply can’t afford. 
• So they can set realistic budget expectations.
• And, ultimately, so they can stop themselves from making an unwise financial decision.

But how can you tell whether you have enough money for a down payment?

Benefits of a Large (20%) Down Payment

There are a few reasons for the overwhelming preference toward a larger upfront payment:

• No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Loaning your money for a home purchase is a risky move for any mortgage lender. PMI protects your lender if you cannot afford to pay off your loan. If you start with a large down payment, most lenders won’t require such risk insurance.
• Lower Interest Rates. Your interest rate is the percentage of your outstanding balance (or principal) that your mortgage lender charges each month simply because you borrowed from them. Lenders base this rate on the amount of risk they feel they are taking on by giving you a loan. A higher initial down payment proves that you’re less of a risk to the lender, making them more likely to offer a lower interest rate.
• More Affordable Monthly Payments. Lower risk for your lenders means lower interest rates for you, which means lower month-to-month mortgage payments.
• Extra Edge Over Competing Buyers. Especially in the hot 2022 seller’s market, you’ve got to do everything you can to stand out against other interested homebuyers. Sellers are more likely to give you the contract if they trust you are financially sound and can actually afford to pay for the house. 

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary?

Widely accepted as the IDEAL down payment amount, 20% can feel pretty daunting–or even impossible–especially since the average Wilmington home is selling for well over $200 thousand. It’s enough to make many potential buyers put off their home search for years. 

So, it’s a good thing that most lenders DO NOT actually require 20% down on your closing date. 

If you CAN afford to pay 20% of the closing costs upfront, by all means, do it! But, if you’re one of many who simply cannot come up with that large an amount, stick with us. You have other options!

Buying a Home With Less Than 20%

Whether you just don’t have that much money or you’d rather hold on to some cash for emergencies, home repairs, or other expenses, a 20% down payment may not be your best bet.

Certain loans allow you to opt for down-payments much lower than 20%. The amount down ultimately depends on the loan and type of home (primary, secondary, or investment) you’re purchasing. 

The most common home loan, Conventional Loans, are left entirely to the individual lender’s discretion. With a credit score of 620 or higher, you can secure down payments as low as 3%. This down payment percentage increases as you get into second homes and investment properties.

Meanwhile, FHA Loans–government-backed loans with more lenient financial requirements–are a plausible option for buyers who have credit scores in the 500 to 580 range. With an FHA loan, you could look at 3.5% down.

Veteran-specific VA Loans and rural community USDA Loans offer alternative possibilities for certain homebuyers.

Ultimately, It Depends on Your Budget

Buying a home is a financial risk–and even more so if you drop 20% in the very beginning. The money is extremely challenging to get back. 

That’s why homebuyers MUST assess amply their financial situation and determining how much money they can reasonably fork up come closing time. Remember, you should NEVER buy a home unless you feel comfortable with your loan and the amount you’ll have to pay month-to-month. 

And you may even be surprised! Considering your monthly rent expenses, it can actually be more affordable long-term to take the leap and buy a home now.

A Network Real Estate Agent Help!

Bring us your loan and down payment questions. Our agents are glad to help you navigate the home-buying process, from the initial search to closing. Reach us today at 910-395-4100.

Selling a home is easier said than done—even when we find ourselves in a seller’s market like we are in the spring of 2022. There’s a lot to keep track of: What kinds of repairs are necessary? When should you start marketing? Do you really need to hire a real estate agent?

Follow these 8 steps to secure the very best price from your Wilmington area home: 

Find a good local real estate agent.

More often than not, trying to manage a home sale without the expertise of a licensed REALTOR will end in disaster…or at the very least, a significantly lower price than your home is actually worth. But you should NOT settle for just any real estate agent. Take the time to do thorough research and even interview until you’ve found a good fit.

Build a marketing strategy.

How quickly do you need to sell? How much money do you hope to make from the sale? Will you sell during the peak spring or peak fall home-buying season? Think about your home’s particular benefits and features, and devise a marketing plan using those as your unique selling points. 

Decide on a price.

Work with your real estate agent to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and determine your home’s Fair Market Value (FMV). Use that information to decide on an asking price. Then, your REALTOR can offer you some techniques to get the best deal. 

Think about curb appeal.

Let’s be honest. In the home search, potential buyers ARE judging each book by its cover. To make a positive first impression, you’ve got to spend a little money on those relatively easy fixes—like repairing the siding, repainting the front door and window frames, and investing in a bit of landscaping.

Time to declutter!

This is ESSENTIAL—for the sake of your online photos AND walk-through tours. If a potential homebuyer perceives your home as cramped and cluttered, they’ll ‌worry whether your home offers enough space for their needs. Think of it like the first round of your move-out process. Sort through your things and decide what to pack, trash, and donate.

Prepare your home for staging.

Before you take photos for advertisements, ‌spend some time sprucing up your home’s interior. The goal is to get the homebuyer to envision themselves and their families settling into the space. From depersonalizing your space to repainting walls to neutral colors to touching up scuff marks, you can do small things to present your home as a blank canvas for the viewer’s imagination. 

CLEAN!

Not only will a deep clean help make your home more visually appealing to viewers, but it will also get rid of any lingering odors. And once you’ve officially put your house on the market, it’s a good idea to keep to a regular cleaning routine. You never know when you’ll get a call to schedule a tour.

Advertise far and wide.

Don’t limit yourself to one marketing platform. From physical “For Sale” signs to online listings to the classified section of your local newspaper, your local real estate agent will ‌point you toward the most effective advertising methods in the area. Keep in mind: it is always a good idea to use professionally taken photos and videos of your home for online listings.

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Need a real estate agent in Wilmington, Carolina Beach, or Wrightsville Beach? Our agents are just a phone call away. Reach us at 910-395-4100.

From the beautiful beach to the delicious restaurants, Carolina Beach has a lot to offer its vacationers. But as people across the U.S. begin to feel comfortable resuming travel once again, it’s time to reevaluate your vacation rental marketing strategies. 

Here are 8 things you can do to set your vacation rental apart from the competition:

1. Be strategic about your upgrades. First things first – you need to pick a target demographic. Who do you suspect will be most interested in staying in your home? What amenities would that demographic find most alluring? Pick a few of the first things that pop to mind and investigate whether you could reasonably tackle them. Remember, you don’t have to upgrade EVERY part of your vacation rental all at once.
2. Develop communal AND intimate spaces. Although it’s essential to invest in attractive spaces for the entire group, the social demands of vacations can sometimes be just too much. Nice, secluded spaces can offer your guests a much needed escape. Even if you’re renting out a small beachside condo, you can create intimate spaces with cozy bedroom chairs or comfy outdoor seating.
3. Use high quality images. Let’s be honest…photos are the most exciting part of planning for a vacation. If your photos don’t look appealing (and professional), potential visitors are going to skim right over your listing. Keep in mind, your photos should always be as up-to-date as possible. If you’ve recently purchased new furniture or upgraded technology, don’t hide it!
4. Pick your main photo wisely. This first image is the most important part of your listing – it will help the user to decide whether to move on or click to learn more. If you’re on a tight budget, consider spending just a little extra time and money modernizing one room of your vacation home. Then make THAT your main image.
5. Create powerful, detailed descriptions. The photos are crucial, but the words written on a listing can still make a significant difference. From your headline to the description of your amenities, the language needs to be creative and convey the mood and benefits of your home. The most impactful descriptions do a great job of setting the scene, making it easy for the reader to imagine themselves in the home. 
6. Take advantage of the location. You and I both know that Carolina Beach comes with a wide range of attractions. However, your average aspiring vacationer may not. That’s why you’ve got to allude to the local attractions in both your photos and descriptions. Include pictures of the stunning views and surrounding scenery. Highlight local activities you think your target audience would enjoy.
7. Offer your local expertise. When scoping out a vacation rental property, visitors want you to present a “pre-vacation experience.” It’s not enough anymore just to offer a basic list of amenities. You’ll really impress potential guests if you provide a pdf of local recommendations that helps them get started with their vacation plans. And be sure to emphasize your rental’s close proximity to all the fun activities around Carolina Beach.
8. Use an easy, convenient booking system. That’s us! When you partner with our vacation property management team, we’ll provide all you need to ensure your vacation rental is a success – from onsite management to online listings. 

Want to learn more about our Vacation Rental Management services?

Send us a message or give us a call at 910-458-8562.

You discovered your dream home and signed a contract. You’ve heard that it’s good to get a home inspection before closing on a house, but you have some questions…

Who’s responsible for setting up the home inspection? Even more, who covers the repairs? 

There are 3 main factors that determine who pays for the repairs identified in a North Carolina home inspection: 

1. Your contract
2. The nature of the repairs
3. And the state law

Let’s break that down a bit. 

Your Contract

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but we’ll say it again. It’s CRUCIAL that you read your new home contract very carefully before you sign. 

When a seller and buyer draw up a contract for a home, they generally include provisions regarding the very question of who pays for home inspection repairs. The details of these contingencies can vary, as they are entirely dependent upon the agreement between the two parties. 

For example, the contract may include a provision requiring the seller to pay for the repairs up to a certain amount of money, at which point the buyer would have to shoulder the rest of the cost. 

In other cases, a major issue discovered during the home inspection may give the buyer an opportunity to back out of the signed contract without incurring a penalty. 

In highly competitive housing markets – as we’re seeing here in 2022 – buyers are often more likely to accept a less favorable contingency, possibly even agreeing to purchase a home “as is” (meaning they cannot terminate the contract even if they later discover the home needs some repair).

NOTE: Even if this is the case, buyers still need to schedule a home inspection. The report will help the buyer decide whether they can afford to move forward with the contract (or if they’d rather simply pay the penalty for backing out).

Nature of the Repairs

Home inspection reports typically outline both large and small repair needs. Although a buyer COULD ask the seller to cover the entire long list of repairs, they’d have better luck requesting payment for just a few of the most significant fixes – say, if there are major issues with the home’s foundation or piping systems. 

When making such requests, it’s a good idea to keep in mind the opposite party’s motivation. A seller who is worried about losing the buyer will be more likely to fulfill repair requests. And a buyer who doesn’t think they have a good chance of finding a better home in their budget range may deem it best to just cover the repair costs themselves.

North Carolina Law

In North Carolina, sellers have a legal obligation to either repair or disclose serious problems with their home. So, if a repair is a significant one, sellers almost always opt to pay for it.

These major issues include things like severe water damage, mold issues, termite damage, missing or broken smoke detectors, structural problems, HVAC system or wiring issues, or other state building code violations. 

Specific state laws are the ONLY things that can determine which seller-funded fixes are obligatory. If a type of repair is left unmentioned in the law, there is still room for negotiation.

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Why It’s Best to Hire a REALTOR

When helping you develop a home contract, North Carolina licensed real estate agents are REQUIRED to follow all the applicable state laws. However, some of these regulations don’t necessarily apply to contracts drawn up by private parties.

Recruiting a qualified local real estate agent to help create the contract is ultimately your best chance of achieving your desired end result.

Have more questions about home inspection repairs? Or need help evaluating a sale contract?

Our agents are eager and available to answer your questions and guide you through the home-buying or -selling process. Give us a call today at 910-395-4100.

The highlight of springtime in Wilmington has to be the North Carolina Azalea Festival, otherwise known as Azalea Fest. This community celebration runs from April 9-13 2022 and is sure to take over Historic Downtown and include an array of fun events for all ages.

The festival kicks off at Riverfront Park on April 9 with the Queen’s Coronation, where the Queen will officially be crowned in front of an adoring crowd of onlookers and celebrity guests. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a debutante to enjoy Azalea Fest. You will, however, need your appetite. The Azalea Fest Street Fair spans Water, Front, and Market Street, and serves as the main walkway for food and entertainment. Over 40 food vendors are expected to participate and will offer everything from lemonade, funnel cakes, and fried chicken to gyros, crab cakes, and even deep-fried Oreos.

Another main event of the week is the North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 12. The parade attracts hundreds of people, so be sure to come early to get a good view of the floats, horses, band, and Queen Azalea herself. Azalea Fest is also bringing their A-game in the live music department this year. The headlining rock band is Widespread Panic, who will play the outdoor Miller Lite Main Stage (411 N. Front Street) at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12. The festival will also feature Country music stars Justin Moore, Randy Houser, and Josh Thompson, who will play the stage on Thursday, April 10 at 8 p.m.

There are plenty of offsite events during Azalea Fest. One of our favorites is the Historic Home Tour, which allows patrons to tour many of the beautiful, historic homes in downtown Wilmington. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. We are also very excited that the Cole Brothers Circus is back in town from April 10-13, featuring amazing acrobats, motorcycle maniacs, White Tigers, a high wire troupe, The Human Cannonball, and more! Note that tickets for many Azalea Fest events should be purchased in advance.

There are so many other events that makeup Azalea Fest—the best way to find out what they’re all about is to come see for yourself.

The Wilmington region is home to a wide range of residents — all the way from college students to retired beach-lovers to long-time locals. However, families are one of the most rapidly growing populations in the area.

As communities within Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover Counties continue to experience extraordinary growth, more and more time and resources are being devoted to schools, community events, businesses, and more!

But, how do you go about finding the flourishing neighborhoods that will set your family up for success?

How to Choose the Most Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Wilmington NC

Your family’s home is more than just a house. It includes everything in your community, from your immediate neighborhood to the surrounding land, businesses, and even local traditions and events. Picking the right community is essential! 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 9 essential steps to picking the Wilmington, NC neighborhood that’s right for your family:

1. Scope out the local educational resources. If you have kids, odds are that schooling opportunities are one of the first things you will check. The New Hanover County School District ranks 16th in the state, and many schools in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties have received high ratings in various categories — like academics, teachers, diversity, college prep, and clubs and activities.
2. Check local event calendars. In the Wilmington area, you’ll find no shortage of community events and activities — from annual festivals and fairs to weekly markets and unique holiday celebrations. Between Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach, there will always be something for your family to do.
3. Look for nearby nature. Kids flourish when they have the space to explore and grow. Even if your new home doesn’t have a very big lawn, proximity to Carolina, Kure, and Wrightsville beaches and a wide variety of family-friendly parks can help fill the hunger for play and adventure.
4. Spend some time with Google or Apple Maps. What do you see around the neighborhood? Are there clear, safe walking routes to nearby parks? How close are the nearest school, grocery store, and hospital? Even if you can’t tour the area in-person, simply spending a few minutes looking at the roads, buildings, and area around your potential new home will help you get a better idea of what it will be like to live there.
5. Take an in-person tour. If at all possible, you should try to see your new home and neighborhood in person. There’s no better way to get a true sense of the kind of environment your family will live in. 
6. Chat with the neighbors. One of the aspects that really MAKES a neighborhood are the actual neighbors. If you’re able to tour in-person, take a walk around your neighborhood and try to strike up conversations with several of your potential neighbors. Ask them about the area and what they like about living there.
7. Pay special attention to local advertising. You can tell a lot about a town based on the type of marketing you see on local television, online, and as you drive around the community. If you see a good number of kid-focused ads, odds are, the community is full of families just like yours.
8. Check out local reviews. Reading online reviews is one of the best things you can do to make sure your neighborhood will be a good fit for your family. Even the tourist reviews that pop up for Carolina and Wrightsville Beach can give you insight that will help you make your choice.
9. Consult with a local REALTOR. Even if you walk through every one of these steps, you’ll likely still be missing some crucial information you’d like to consider as you're making a decision on your new home. This is where an experienced local REALTOR will help!

The Local Expertise of Network Real Estate Agents

Nobody knows the Wilmington area better than the team here at Network Real Estate. After all, we’ve been here since 1982 — way before Wilmington boomed into the bustling town it is today. 

Need some help narrowing your family home search? 

Our agents are eager and available to answer your questions and guide you through the home search process. Give us a call today at 910-395-4100.

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Carolina Beach
• Wilmington, NC Area Holiday Events
• Top 10 Perks of Living at Carolina Beach
• Wrightsville Beach vs. Carolina Beach: Where to Live?

Attracted to coastal living in southeastern North Carolina?

The next step: deciding between the two largest beach towns in the area — Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.

The Network Real Estate team has been here a while and has a strong feeling for the lay of the land. To help you decide you feel confident in, we’ve outlined the biggest advantages of living in each location. 

Benefits of Living at Wrightsville Beach

East of central Wilmington and north of Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach comes with a variety of unique qualities that make it a wonderful place to call home: 

• It’s an upscale environment. To many people, Wrightsville Beach seems a little more “polished” than Carolina Beach. You’ll definitely get a greater “wine-and-cheese” sort of vibe from Wrightsville Beach-goers.
• It’s closer to the hub of Wilmington. Directly to the west is the city-center of Wilmington, a river town that offers a wide range of activities, from the interactive Battleship NC museum to the restaurants, bars, and shops in the historic downtown river district. 
• The beach has a gentler slope. The steeper the beach slope, the kinder the waves and the more suited the beach is for leisurely swimming. While Carolina Beach’s slope is steep in many places, Wrightsville offers its visitors a more gradual incline.
• It provides top-notch surfing. In fact, Wrightsville Beach is one of the best surfing destinations along the east coast. And the watersports don’t end there! You can do it all — from wake boarding and paddle boarding to deep sea fishing and scuba diving. 
• It’s dog-free much of the year. If you’re not a big fan of man’s best friend, you’ll be happy to learn that during the on-season (April through September) dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.
• It’s a haven for bird-watchers. If your perfect day sounds like spending time outside, breathing in the fresh salty air and birdwatching, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place for you. The south end of the beach is a favorite of many beach-nesting birds — like the Least Tern and Black Skimmer.

Benefits of Living at Carolina Beach

At the farthest southeast corner of North Carolina, Carolina Beach (along with its neighbor, Kure Beach) is actually nicknamed Pleasure Island. Here’s why:

• It’s normally less crowded. Because Wrightsville Beach is smaller and closer to central Wilmington, it’s packed. At Carolina Beach, you can enjoy a simpler, more secluded beach environment, especially during the off-season.
• It offers more kid-friendly activities. From the NC Aquarium and Fort Fisher to the boardwalk arcade and the stunning Carolina Beach State Park, there's no shortage of activities for extraordinary family weekend excursions.
• It’s a lot less expensive. While the typical Wrightsville Beach home currently costs over $1 million, the average Carolina Beach home is selling for about half of that price.
• It has an unmatched “chill” vibe. It’s the perfect beach if you prefer to lounge on the beach with beer in hand. Actually, Freeman Park — on the north end of the beach — is one of the few NC beaches that will allow you to drive onto the beach, camp, and enjoy an open fire. 
• There are fewer parking & beach patrol restrictions. With the greater numbers of Wrightsville Beach visitors comes the inevitable difficulties of parking and stricter beach restrictions. At Carolina Beach, it’s easier to find a parking spot and avoid running into any unwanted limitations.
• It’s more dog-friendly. Although both beaches have some dog restrictions, Carolina Beach is a little more lax, allowing you to bring your dog onto the beach even during the on-season before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Plus, the beach at nearby Fort Fisher permits dogs (on-leash) at all hours, all year-round.

But…the beaches share a lot in common. 

Although there are many differences, the towns come with many of the same advantages. From the boating opportunities to the frequent festivals and events, even to the many beloved local restaurants and bars, each town comes with spectacular adventures to fill any interest.

Ready to search for homes in Carolina or Wrightsville Beach? 

Our agents are happy to help you start your home search process. Call us today at 910-395-4100.

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• Top 10 Perks of Living in Carolina Beach
• Tips for Moving to Carolina Beach, NC

As later variants of the coronavirus slowly subside and fall into our rearview mirrors, many experts in the tourism industry expect travel to rise back to pre-pandemic highs. 

And actually, the resurgence of the travel industry is already under way!

If you own a vacation rental in Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, or anywhere in the Wilmington area, you are probably already seeing an uptick in spring and summer bookings. 

“2021 and 2022 turned out to be most property owners’ best years ever, by nearly 20-40%,” said Kevin McKoy, Carolina Beach Network Real Estate Agent.

But just how much of a revival can you anticipate?

Will people start traveling more in 2022?

Absolutely! Many people are already scheduling luxury trips for spring and summer 2022. 

Why?

It’s what many are calling a bucket-list effect. There’s nothing like an anxiety-driving pandemic to push people to finally go visit the places they’ve always wanted to see.  

After being cooped up in their cramped homes for two years, people are eager — maybe even desperate — to get away. 

Nearly everyone — young and old — feels as if they’ve lost two valuable years of their lives and are ready to make up for lost time.

Where are travelers planning to go in 2022?

When we say people are ready to make up for lost time, we’re not just talking about brief lake vacations or weekend trips. 

No…people from all over the U.S. are planning to “go big” this year, scheduling trips to “epic destinations” (perhaps, even, across the globe), according to an Expedia survey of 12,000 travelers. To be precise, 68% of Americans have extravagant travel plans in the works.

Although more people will be looking internationally for their next vacation spot, domestic travel still ranks as the top choice for Americans.

The Expedia study found that 59% of U.S. respondents are already scheduling domestic travel in 2022.

What are 2022 travelers looking for in a vacation?

2022 travel plans vary as much as there are different responses to the stress of the last couple of years. Many people are feeling the need for thrill and adventure, while others are looking for a sort of mental health retreat. 

In fact, 36% of U.S. travelers are seeking a sense of contentment and well-being as they’re making vacation plans, and 38% are looking forward most to merely relaxing and doing nothing while on vacation (Expedia). 

And what better place to achieve these personal wellness goals than a sweet Wilmington area beach vacation home? 

Vacationers are looking for spacious vacation rentals that lend themselves easily to relaxation and pampering. So, to get the biggest bang for your buck, think about upgrading your beach rental to maximize its sense of luxury. 

Plus, as many businesses are opting to maintain remote work situations, workers are starting to schedule more “work-cations.” I mean, what’s stopping people from relaxing with their feet in the sand in between work meetings?

How much are 2022 travelers willing to spend?

Approximately 70% of leisure travelers in major countries — like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Japan, and Spain — are prepared to spend more money on travel in 2022 than they have over the last five years, according to research from the World Travel & Tourism Council and Trip.com.

Gone are the days of compromising due to the looming worldwide pandemic. Many people are more than willing to spend their hard-earned savings to take the dream vacation they deserve. 

After all, it’s been a rough couple of years!

That means, beach vacationers will be happy to pay higher rates for a nice, luxury vacation rental on Carolina, Wrightsville, or Kure Beach. So, as long as your space is up-to-date and attractive, you’ll have no problem securing back-to-back bookings and an impressive return on investment.

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Thinking about investing in a vacation rental in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or Kure Beach? Our agents are here to help you find the best beach home investment in the area! Give us a call at 910-395-4100.

Want to move to the beautiful east coast? 

We don’t blame you! After all, we chose this life as well. 

We’ve been here awhile, so take it from us. Carolina Beach is an AMAZING place to live. Here’s why: 

1. The beach, of course!

Why else would you move to the coast? 

If you feel your best when your toes are in the sand and you’re listening to the sound of the waves, Carolina Beach is meant for you. 

When you live so close to the ocean, a luxurious afternoon at the beach can be your Saturday routine (rather than a vacation every year or two). Even in winter months, you’ll get the occasional 70-degree day to take in the warm rays and salty air. 

And for those water-lovers out there, Carolina Beach offers a wide variety of water activities. Whether you are into boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or jet skiing, there are countless rental and docking options across Pleasure Island (which also includes the neighboring Kure Beach). 

If that’s not enough, Carolina Beach is home to Freeman Park, one of the ONLY places where you’re allowed to drive out onto the beach, set up camp, and enjoy an open fire.

2. There's a TON to do.

Although we know this will NEVER happen…if you get tired of the beach, there’s a lot more to do in this one-of-a-kind beach town. 

Festivals & Events

Whether you want to spend your weekend perusing a local market, eating delicious food, listening to live music, or flying kites on the beach, the town seems to have festivals and activities for every interest.

The Boardwalk

Over the years, locals have joined together to bring life to the Carolina Beach boardwalk. And they’ve done a heck of a job! Food and Wine Magazine named Carolina Beach’s boardwalk one of the best in the country.

 With a variety of local restaurants, boutiques, shops, an old-school arcade, and an amusement park, the boardwalk’s attractions are seemingly endless.

Outdoor Activities

If you’re the outdoorsy type, Carolina Beach State Park will be your favorite spot, boasting several forested hiking trails, camping and picnic sites, kayak rentals, and boating opportunities. 

The Nightlife

Carolina Beach is the perfect spot for night owls! From local hangouts to live music and dancing events to camping on the beach, the town offers more nightly options than you’ll know what to do with.

3. Easy Transportation.

Going to the beach? Grabbing a bite? Or picking up a few groceries? 

 At Carolina Beach, making these trips can be as easy as hopping on your bike, climbing into your golf cart, or simply traveling by foot. Everything you need is just a short ride or walk away.

4. Not TOO Touristy.

Although Carolina Beach is a vibrant, attractive beach town, it’s typically not “overwhelmed” with tourists, especially during the chilly months. Plus, many restaurants offer special deals for locals during the off-season.

5. A Strong Community Feel.

Carolina Beach is one of the few coastal towns that still evokes a sense of true community. 

 Depending on your choice of neighborhood, you’ll find yourself regularly running into neighbors and friends at the community pool, clubhouse, boat docks, piers, and tennis courts.

6. Variety of Family-Friendly Activities.

Looking for a home your kids will love? 

 With its boardwalk amusement park and arcade and the variety of outdoor activities at Carolina Beach State Park and on the water, Carolina Beach is overflowing with adventures your family will never forget.

7. High-Ranking Schools.

Your children will not only cherish the fun daily life in Carolina Beach, but they’ll also get a great education. 

 The town falls under the New Hanover County School District (NHCS), ranked the 16th best school district in North Carolina. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1, NHCS offers the support your child needs to thrive.

8. Stunning Holiday Celebrations.

If you ask a Carolina Beach local, they’ll probably tell you how much they adore the holidays. Every year, Pleasure Island locals decorate the entire town in beautiful lights to celebrate the Island of Lights Festival.

 But the fun doesn’t end there! You’ll never do Christmas the same again after you experience the area’s holiday markets and flotilla competitions. Not to mention the holiday events in nearby downtown Wilmington.

9. Near the Wilmington Hub.

As if Carolina Beach doesn’t offer enough attractions and activities all on its own, you’ve also got Wilmington just a little to the north, with its bustling, historic downtown district right along the Cape Fear River.

10. Close to the Airport.

Just a quick 20-minute drive away, it’s easy to travel to and from your future hometown. Whether you need to get a flight out or your family wants to come visit, cross-country travel is simple and convenient.

Ready to start looking for a Carolina Beach home? 

Our agents know the area well and can find you a home in a neighborhood that fits your needs. Give us a call today at 910-395-4100.

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